How Do You Do Text To Speech On Google Docs
Overall, the process of using text to speech in Google Docs is fairly straightforward. All you have to do is open the document in question and select the text you want to read, similarly to how you might highlight a paragraph that you wanted to copy and paste.
Then, press the CTRL and A buttons on your keyboard at the same time. This will select all the text. At that point, you can choose the Accessibility option on the top menu bar. From there, choose Speak Selection from the drop-down menu labeled Speak. The screen reader software that youre using will then read the text out loud.
Looking for a better experience with natural sounding voices? Try Speechify for free!
Apple And Windows Systems
Apple devices and Microsoft Windows systems also offer speech recognition options. Dictation on Apple mobile devices works much like Google Voice Typing on Android: tap the microphone to the left of the keyboard, then talk . On Mac OS devices, turn on Dictation. Microsofts speech recognition system requires a settings change, followed by a brief training session for the system to learn your voice in Windows 7, 8/8.1, and 10.
Figure D
Apple also offers Dictation, which provides speech recognition on iOS that works with the Google Docs app.
What Is Text To Speech
Text to speech is a type of tool designed to improve the accessibility of any device by reading any text to you out loud. These voice generators are able to synthesize speech, and the AI voice will read the text to the user. This allows you to listen to content without having to read it with your eyes, or you can follow along with the AI voice as it reads aloud.
The initial reason why TTS apps are so popular is because of their helpfulness to many people with reading disabilities or visual impairment. With TTS apps, they will be able to use a device without any problems by listening to any text they need to hear. For people who do not have reading or visual difficulties, TTS apps are still incredibly popular because they can help you multitask and improve overall productivity.
TTS readers use a complex combination of deep learning, machine learning, algorithms, and artificial intelligence to create the natural-sounding voices. While the apps use recordings of a real human voice as a basis, the sound you will hear is fully synthesized by the app which will generate the words on the page or screen.
Today, almost every device has a TTS tool included in the package, and you will often find it in the accessibility tab in settings. This means there are many options to use text to speech in Google Docs.
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Use Google Docs Screen Reader To Read Text Aloud
Before you use Google Docs screen reader options, you need to get a dedicated screen reader software that will read aloud the text in a Google Docs document. You dont need to go through this step if you already have a screen reader software built-in, like Apple VoiceOver or ChromeVox. If not, then I will recommend you use the NVDA screen reader software.
Its a free open source screen reader software that is small in size and very easy to use. There are no special settings to configure to use it with Google Docs. Just download and install the software and follow the below instruction to use it with Google Docs.
If you dont want to use desktop screen reader software, then you can also use this Screen Reader Chrome extension by Google. This screen reader will only work inside the Chrome browser rather than your whole operating system. It also doesnt require any special setting configuration to work with Google Docs.
Open A New Google Docs File

Open Google Chrome on your device and head to the website. If youre not currently logged into your Google account, go ahead and log in now.
After youve logged in, create a new Google Doc. For our test, we named it Speech-to-text in Google Docs – Test. Ensure you save the article in a location where youll be able to access it later .
Start a blank document from the Google Docs home screen.
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How To Do Text To Speech On Google Docs : Step By Step Guide
Enclosed are the steps to do Text to Speech on Google Docs :
Method 1 : With the help of text-to-speech Chrome extension
Method 2 : Using Google Docs Screen Reader
As a pre-requisite you first need to install a screen reader software which will read out the text from your Google docs document.
On Google Chrome browser you can install the following Screen Reader extension.
You can use following full system screen readers on different operating systems :
- CHROME OS : ChromeVox
- Windows : Narrator
Enable Google Docs Screen Reader
Your screen reader software will not be able to read the text inside a Google Docs document if the Google Docs screen reader option isnt enabled. Heres how to enable screen reader in Google Docs:
Click on the Tools menu in the top bar and select Accessibility settings in it.
Now check the checkbox next to Turn on screen reader support and click on OK.
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Android: Google Voice Typing
The best voice recognition tool for Google Docs, Google Voice Typing , used to be found only on Android devices. Install the Google Docs app, open a document, and tap the microphone icon located to the left of the space bar on the on-screen keyboard. Then talk. Google Voice Typing turns your speech into text.
Figure A
On Android, Google Voice Typing turns speech into text accurately and quickly.
How To Use Speech
Googles speech-to-text software currently only works on the Google Chrome browser. If you already use Chrome, you wont need much preparation at all, and you wont have to download or install any additional software or plugins. However, if you dont have Chrome, youll have to download it via this link .
Youll need Google Chrome if you want to use Googles dictation software.
The only other thing youll need to do before you can begin using Googles speech-to-text software is to set up your microphone. Using the in-built microphone on your device will suffice most of the time, as Googles dictation software has improved significantly in recent years.
However, if youre planning on dictating a lengthy text, or plan on using Googles dictation software every day, wed consider investing in a high-quality microphone. An external microphone will enable Google to interpret your voice more easily and can be placed in an optimal location.
Once youve downloaded Chrome and prepared a microphone , youre ready to go.
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Can You Do Audio To Text On Google Docs
Yes! Google Docs features a speech recognition option. You can navigate your cursor to Tools and select the Voice typing option, or use the keyboard shortcutCtrl+Shift+S. This will open the toolbar where you will be able to adjust the settings and start using it.
Needless to say, you will need to adjust permissions and allow Google Docs to access your microphone for it to register formatting commands, speak selection, and voice. Audio to text option is perfect for dictation and anyone who wants to avoid typing.
How To Do Speech To Text On Google Docs
Google Docsâ speech to text feature is also great, which you can capitalize on. You can do voice typing and save the time you spend typing every word on your own. Using speech to text on Google Docs is comparatively easy than text to speech.
How can you use speech to text on Google Docs?
Here is the step-by-step guide to it:
#Step 1: Visit the web browser, open Google Docs, and open a new document.
#Step 2: Tap on Tools > Voice Typing. You can also use the alternative shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+S.
#Step 3: A small microphone will appear in the document window. Click on the microphone and start speaking. You can also change the language for accurate detection of your speech.
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Emphasize Change The Pitch And Tweak The Volume
Murf offers customization features that enable users to emphasize words, adjust the volume of the AI voice, add pauses, and even tweak the pitch of the voiceover to make it sound as realistic as possible. This enables one to hear how their article or speech would sound when presented by an actual human.
Tip: On A Chromebook A Headset Helps

I tested the control sentences above on my Toshiba Chromebook 2 with the built-in microphone and then with a Logitech G330 USB headset. I also tested the phrases with both the native Chrome OS speech recognition system and the third-party Google Docs Add-on.
When I used the headset, accuracy improved . With the headset, the Chrome OS speech recognition system captured the phrases with 100% accuracy. Google Voice Typing in a Google Doc on a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for the same phrases also achieved 100% accuracy without a headset.
Figure E
Use a headset with a Chromebook to improve the accuracy of speech recognition.
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How Do I Use Google Text To Speech In Chrome
If youre using a text to speech tool like Speechify, the process of enabling this functionality on the Google Chrome web browser couldnt be more straightforward. So long as the Speechify Google Chrome extension is installed, you can have it read any content on your desktop or laptop that youd like. Just select the Play button from the window at the bottom of the screen. You can also use the Forward and Back buttons to skip to different positions in the text, or change the playback speed depending on your needs.
Why Should You Use The Speech To Text Feature In Google Docs
If youre looking for a way to transcribe your spoken words into text, you may wonder whether you should use the speech to text feature in Google Docs or another application. Here are some reasons why you may want to use Google Docs for this task:
1. Google Docs is free to use, while some other speech to text applications may cost money.
2. Google Docs is easy to use you can simply start speaking, and your words will be transcribed into text.
3. Google Docs can be used offline, while some other speech to text applications may require an internet connection.
4. Google Docs can transcribe spoken words in multiple languages, while some other speech to text applications may only work with one language.
5. Google Docs can be used on various devices, while some other speech to text applications may only work on certain types of devices.
If youre looking for a speech to text solution, Google Docs is a great option. Its free to use, easy to use, and works on various devices.
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Google Docs On The Web: Add
A third-party Add-on for Google Docs on the web also enables Speech Recognition . Unlike the on-screen keyboard, the Add-on works only within a Google Doc the Chrome OS on-screen keyboard works with all text fields.
Figure C
In Google Docs on the web, use the third-party Speech Recognition Add-on.
To install the Speech Recognition Add-on, open a Google Doc, choose Add-ons, and then select Get add-ons. Next, search for Speech, then choose the + Free button to add it. Every time you want to start voice recognition, go to the Add-ons menu, choose Speech Recognition, and click Start. A sidebar will appear to the right of your document. Choose your language and dialect, select the blue Start button, and then start talking.
Click On Accessibility Menu And Choose Speak Selection
- Navigate to the Accessibility Main menu bar.
- From the drop-down Select Speak selection
- Under Speak Selection Choose Speak
- The installed screen reader software will read the text out loud.
If you are somone who loves to use keyboard Shortcut you press Ctrl+Alt+X to start reading the text out loud.
The bahaviour might differ depending on the type of screen reader software installed on you PC.
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Why Should I Opt For Google Tts
Today, Google Docs not just helps improve one’s efficiency but its text to speech feature enables people with visual impairments or learning disabilities to retain information in a better manner, enabling them to accomplish their goals seamlessly. All in all, you deserve the best, and so does your writing. So, go ahead and explore Google Docsâ TTS feature to transform the quality of your content!
FAQs
Is there text to speech in Google Docs?
Yes, Google Docs has an inbuilt text to speech feature that can be accessed in two main ways: using ChromeVox and a third-party chrome text to speech extension.
Can you get a Google Doc to read the text aloud?
Yes, you can use tools like ChromeVox or other third-party extensions like Capti Voice to get your Google Docs to read text out loud. Murfâs AI-powered voice generator can also read the content of your Google Docs aloud.
Can Google Docs Read Out Loud
Once youve opened the Google Doc in question, select the Accessibility menu from the toolbar at the top of the screen. Choose the Speak option. At that point, you can click on the button labeled Speak Selection from the drop-down menu.
Once this is activated, you can have Google Docs read out loud from the point that your cursor is currently positioned at. Keep in mind, however, that when the ChromeVox functionality is turned on, it will begin reading out loud for every tab that you have open in your browser.
However, Speechify is the better alternative. Try it free! No matter where you use Google Docs laptop or mobile device, Safari or Google Chrome, Speechify is the best rated app for text to speech.
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Productivity Tips For Google Docs
There are a variety ways you can increase productivity while working in Google Docs.
The most obvious way is based on the performance. If you are using , the app will work significantly better, which will save you lots of time. Furthermore, Google Chrome supports most add-ons and features Docs has to offer, which means that you will have an easier time implementing the different tools you might want to use, including text to speech.
Of course, based on the work you are doing, you might be able to use templates. These are excellent ways to increase productivity and save time since you wont need to start from scratch for every document you are creating. You can use templates for resumes, presentations, cover letters, and many other types of documents.
Something many users dont know is that you can easily upload files from your device to Google Docs, including both Microsoft Word and PDF files. Once youve uploaded them, you can edit them as you please as a Google Doc. When youre done, you can even re-download the edited document as a Word or PDF file.
How Do You Use Text To Speech In Google Docs

In this article, we share how you can use text to speech right inside Google Docs. Also, other tips and tricks. You can also share audio versions of your document with anyone so they can listen to your document much faster.
In the past, regardless of whether you were using a Mac or Windows computer, you essentially had one realistic option Microsofts own Office suite of productivity tools. Now, not only have competitors emerged in the marketplace, but ones like Google Docs are actually free to use with any regular Google account.
Additionally, nearly everything you create is stored in the cloud meaning that you can access it on not just desktop and laptop computers but also smartphones, tablets and any other device of your choosing.
Of course, all of this demands the question is it possible to use text to speech functionality on documents created using the Google text-to-speech Docs service? The answer to that question requires you to keep a few key things in mind.
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My Voice Is My Favorite
Murf’s voice changer also lets you upload your own voice recording to its platform and then hear how your article or speech sounds in your voice. This helps you get a perspective of how your article sounds in your voice. To do so, simply read the text from your Google Doc out loud and record the voiceover using a microphone. Upload the recording to Murf Studio and render.
How To Use Text To Speech In Google Docs
Google Docs is an online word processor that allows users to create, edit, and format documents, collaborate with others on the same document, and much more. For years, Google Docs allowed users to use the text to speech or speech to text capabilities via Google Docs.
Here are some of the compelling benefits the text-to-speech capability offers:
Benefits of Text-to-Speech:
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The visually impaired or people with hindered eyesight can easily listen to a document despite reading or writing it.
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You can also find mistakes in your writing as the robot pronounces the words, and it is easy to pick the errors.
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Better heard when read our mind can easily remember things that are heard instead of what is read. If you use the feature, you can always keep important points in your mind.
Here is the step-by-step guide to enabling text-to-speech in Google Docs:
#Step 1: Open Google Docs in your browser. Open a new document.
#Step 2:Once inside the document, tap on Tools > Accessibility.
#Step 3: Check the Turn on screen reader support option. Tap on Okay to save the settings.
#Step 4: Now, whenever you want Google Docs to read text aloud, select the whole document or part of it. Tap on Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection to let Google Docs read the document.
Tips
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